Sláinte! at this La Jolla whiskey festival

Whiskey fans rejoice! The Hiatus Lounge, located poolside at Hotel
La Jolla
, brings back its popular spirit fest series from 2-5 p.m. March 18, with an inaugural installation for brown spirit lovers. WHISKEY! A Grain & Oak Festival features both straight and cocktail-ed spirits, including scotch, bourbon, rye, and for St. Patrick's Day, a selection of Irish whiskeys.

Wondering what makes a whiskey rye? Or Irish? Up your knowledge before you head to the festival.

Rye Whiskey: To be classified rye in the United States, the whiskey must:

Contain at least 51 percent rye in the grain mixture

Distilled to a limit of 160 proof, or 80 percent ABV

Aged in new charred oak barrels

Bottled at no less than 80 proof, 40 percent ABV

Check out this style with selections from Crater Lake, George Dickel, and San Diego Distillery.

Irish Whiskey: According to the Irish Whiskey Act of 1980, the whiskey must:

Be distilled in Ireland

Distilled at less than 94.8 percent ABV

Matured in wooden casks no less than three years or an aggregate of three years

For $15, during the festival, you can enjoy classics such as Tullamore Dew and Bushmills, along with a range of Jameson options on deck. A variety of Bourbons will be offered as well as several from Glenmorangie in the Scotch category, including the Lasanta, Quinta Ruban, and Nectar d'Or.